NORWICH – Two individuals were arraigned on separate charges when the Chenango County Court convened for an afternoon session on Monday, August 1. Assistant District Attorney Laura Parker represented the people of Chenango County in both matters, while John Cameron was assigned to represent both defendants. The Honorable Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. presided over matters.
• Gregory F. Huzinec Jr., 36, of Norwich, faced four separate felony charges: one count of robbery in the first degree, a class B felony; one count of kidnapping in the second degree, a class B felony; one count of burglary in the first degree, a class B felony; and one count of assault in the second degree, a class D felony.
These charges stem from an alleged robbery and home invasion on Lackawanna Avenue, in the City of Norwich, in the early morning hours of July 7. While committing the robbery, Huzinec allegedly 'duct taped and hogtied' the victim, before striking them in the eye with what appeared to be a pistol and threatening to kill them.
Huzinec allegedly escaped with $60 in US currency, a cell phone, a driver's license, a medicare card and cigarettes from the victim.
The defendant was originally arraigned in the Norwich City Court on Sunday, July 10, with The Honorable Judge James E. Downey setting bail at $25,000 cash, or $50,000 bond.
When he appeared in County Court on Monday, Cameron, attorney for the defendant, entered pleas of not guilty to all counts on behalf of his client.
Parker was the first to be heard on the issue of bail. She said, “I believe bail was previously set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond. The people are asking for $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond. The defendant is charged with three class B felonies. He displayed what appeared to be a pistol and stayed in this residence for about in hour apparently having a discussion with himself about whether to kill this individual or not. We believe that amount of bail is warranted in this case.”
Cameron attempted to show that the charges are not as serious as they appear. He said, “I'd ask that bail remain the same. There is nothing new here. The bail that was set was reasonable and the apparent allegations are just that; allegations. The burden of proof lies solely on the people.”
Judge Revoir noted the seriousness of the charges before setting bail. “I do note that these offenses carry out a potential sentence of 25 years if convicted,” he said. He set a new bail amount of $40,000 cash, or $80,000 bond. Judge Revoir also set some stipulations in the event that bail is posted. He said that Huzinec is to have no violations of the law, he would be subject to random testing for the presence of drugs and alcohol and he would not be able to leave New York State without the court's permission. Revoir also issued an order of protection for the victim in the case.
